15 - Rakim Sanders

Fairfield

NBA Comparison: N/A

Strengths: Incredibly compact body with legs that are strong enough to hold defensive position against almost anyone ... At his best offensively when backing down smaller defenders, as evidenced by Fairfield’s late season offensive adjustment of putting Sanders on the blocks more often than not ... The ball skills are there but they’re raw ... His shot-fake, 1-dribble into the elbow from the wing works but you can tell it’s not second nature to him .. Athletic, active rebounder (put up over 8/gm last year and gathered in 26 in 3 games at the PIT) ... Projects as a high-volume rebounder at the next level ... His calling card in the NBA (if he’s to make a roster) will be on the defensive end ... Can defend both wing spots and keep some hybrid fours out of the paint.

Weaknesses: Perimeter game is still a work in progress, although it’s obvious this kid is putting the time in ... Strength works against him at times in the half-court - when he puts his head down and hunts kill spots defenders literally bounce off his Herculean frame and he’s whistled for an inordinate amount of charges. Ballhandling needs to tighten up ...